Complete stomach blockage survivor...X-rays

There have been some threads lately regarding surgical removal of stomach blockages. Sadly, many of these cases have had a poor result.

As I was with my vet today I asked to photograph the x-rays taken in early 2007 when our dwarf lop Liam had such a blockage removed successfully. We believe the blockage was caused by dehydration whilst hair was remaining in the stomach. For several days we tried to dislodge the mass by oral hydration and wet foods. Unfortunately it would not pass through the pyloric sphincter and gained size by the food compounding the mass,it was then decided that surgical intervention was the only option.

Liam the afternoon before the surgery. We brought him home to have the night with us and his bonded partner Molly as our vet only gave a 25% chance of success. One very unwell little bunny.





X-Ray while still attempting dislodgement. Stomach distended and caecum almost empty.



X-Rays the day before surgery. Stomach fully distended, caecum filled with gas. Total stasis.





The mass removed.



Liam recovered after a lot of intensive care and lived for a further almost 3 years.

I believe surgery for blockages should only be undertaken when all other methods have been exhausted, but this does show it can be survived.

What an encouraging story! So glad Liam made it and lived on happily. He was gorgeous!!

Thats great to hear.

Thank you for sharing Liam's Xrays with us and for giving us hope that some GI surgery can have a good outcome xx

Thank you for sharing this info - the more we all share stories / experiences the better chance we have of treating our buns if they become ill. A great story and a great help . . . Oh, and a lovely, lovely bun whose 'human' obviously pulled out all the stops!!

Thanks :wave:

Very helpful pictures and explanation. Thank you very much x